Arvind Kejriwal claims ED trying to crush AAP: Top quotes from court hearing

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's seven-day detention by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) came to an end today (March 28), and he was produced in court. During the hearing Kejriwal made a submission before the Rouse Avenue court, which ishearing the Delhi excise policy case.

High voltage drama unfolded in the courtroom as the Delhi CM began his address amidopposition by the ED.

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Here’s what Arvind Kejriwal said in his arguments before the Rouse Avenue court:

1. The Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal questioned, “Four witnesses named me in the excise policy case, are four statements enough to arrest a sitting CM?”

2. Arvind Kejriwal further alleged that the image of AAP is being malignedin front of the nation.

3. “It's being circulated that it is around 1000 million scam. However, Justice Sanjiv Khanna said that the money trail is not yet outlined,” Kejriwal added.

4. Kejriwal further said that there was a political plot behind his detention, claiming that witnesses are changing their testimony as they arebeing forced to become an 'approver' of the case.

5. “This case has been going on for the past two years. The CBI had filed a case in August 2022. Then, an ECIR was filed,” Kejriwal was quoted by LiveLaw as saying.

6. As per legal website LiveLaw, Kejriwal was quoted saying," Where is the money from the liquor policy scam, may I ask? The 1000 million in cash that the ED alleged doesn't exist. Following an ED investigation, the real liquor fraud starts."

7. “I am ready for investigation, and you may keep me in remand as long as you like...” the Delhi CM said in court.

8. Kejriwal alleged that Sarath Reddy, the case's approver, gave the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 550 million. "The money trail is established, and I have proof that it is a racket. After being arrested, he gave 550 million to the BJP," Kejriwal was quoted as saying by LiveLaw.

9. "I was detained, but no court has found me guilty yet. CBI filed 31,000 pages and ED has filed 25,000 pages related to this matter", the arrested CM said in the court.

10. “The motive of the ED is to crush the Aam Aadmi Party,” the CM further said.

The Delhi high court on Wednesday (March 27) denied interim relief to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who is in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate as the court only issued notices regarding Kejriwal's plea and posted the matter for further hearing on April 3.

(With inputs from agencies)